Journal of Dental Research, Vol 70, 1441-1443, Copyright © 1991 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Remineralization and demineralization in situ from a triclosan/co-polymer/fluoride dentifrice
J. R. Mellberg, J. Blake-Haskins, I. D. Petrou and N. E. Grote
Colgate-Palmolive Company, Technology Center, Piscataway, NJ 08854.
An in situ study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a dentifrice
containing 1100 ppm F (NaF) and triclosan, an anti-plaque agent, on
remineralization of artificially-formed caries lesions in thin sections of
human enamel. The thin sections were placed in mandibular partial dentures
of 15 subjects and covered with a steel mesh to provide an area for plaque
accumulation. The subjects brushed their teeth and dentures three times
daily for two-week periods in a cross-over design, after which the
specimens were removed and analyzed by quantitative microradiography for
changes in mineral content. Results showed that lesions treated with the
triclosan-fluoride product were remineralized 18.0 +/- 23.4% compared with
19.0 +/- 32.3% from a 1100-ppm F (NaF) positive control. Use of a placebo
dentifrice resulted in 71.9% demineralization. The findings showed that
triclosan neither enhanced nor interfered with the promotion of
remineralization by fluoride.
